Sexual coercion is a type of unwanted sexual behavior that violates an individual's right to choose whether or not they want to participate in sexual activity. It includes pressure, manipulation, and violence against another person for the purpose of forcing them into a sexual situation. Exposure to this kind of experience can have long-term effects on individuals' sexual agency, decision-making, and relational awareness.
The impact of sexual coercion on sexual agency refers to how exposed individuals respond to subsequent sexual encounters. Emerging adults who have been exposed to sexual coercion may find it difficult to feel comfortable initiating sexual contact with others or expressing their desires openly. This can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-doubt, which can prevent them from engaging in healthy sexual relationships.
They may become more prone to seeking out partners who also exhibit controlling behaviors, leading to further distress and confusion.
Regarding decision-making, exposure to sexual coercion can create fear and mistrust towards potential sexual partners. Individuals may be less likely to trust someone else's intentions or motivations, making it harder to form meaningful connections based on mutual attraction and respect. They may also become more cautious about agreeing to activities they are unsure about or uncertain about how much control they have over the situation. In turn, this can cause them to avoid intimacy altogether, limiting their ability to develop emotionally and sexually as emerging adults.
Exposure to sexual coercion can affect an individual's relational awareness by changing their perceptions of what constitutes healthy and unhealthy interactions. Those who have experienced coercive behavior may become hypervigilant about signs of danger and may struggle to identify genuine affection or interest from a partner. This can make it challenging for them to build lasting romantic relationships, contributing to loneliness and isolation.
Exposure to sexual coercion can significantly impact individuals' sexual agency, decision-making, and relational awareness, particularly during the critical period of adolescence and young adulthood when many people begin exploring their sexuality. By understanding these effects, we can better support emerging adults who have been exposed to such experiences and help them navigate their emotional and sexual development in a healthy way.
How does exposure to sexual coercion affect sexual agency, decision-making, and relational awareness in emerging adults?
Exposure to sexual coercion can have various effects on sexual agency, decision-making, and relational awareness of emerging adults. In particular, research shows that it can lead to an increased risk of traumatic stress reactions, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems.